Price of LEGO sets in Australia

[Seraphim Prime]

Another issue affecting Lego at least is that the US is still considered an emerging market for the brand, and they are subsidising the cost of products in the US to encourage growth.

[Hursticon]

Wyatt Roy

Youngest MP ever apparently. If the Libs get up in the next election, we get this kid on our side and push through our legislation!

Youngest to have a Federal Seat in the House of Representatives, but have you seen/been to the electorate he represents?
(Oddly enough, my Grandfather trained on its Beaches during WWII)

Another issue affecting Lego at least is that the US is still considered an emerging market for the brand, and they are subsidising the cost of products in the US to encourage growth.

Really? - Is Lego's corporate 'think-tank' that blinkered?

[Verno]

Youngest to have a Federal Seat in the House of Representatives, but have you seen/been to the electorate he represents?
(Oddly enough, my Grandfather trained on its Beaches during WWII)

It's not so much who he represents - it's more that he is a kid that grew up in the 90's and probably owned Lego himself. He can corrupt him and make him our pawn!

[Hursticon]

It's not so much who he represents - it's more that he is a kid that grew up in the 90's and probably owned Lego himself. He can corrupt him and make him our pawn!

Well, anything is worth a try.

[griffin]

Realistically, a single member of parliament isn't likely to have much say if they are part of a political party (idealistic politicians wanting to change the world, sign up to a major party to get in, only to end up having their hands tied by the party and its power-brokers). Even the leaders in the major parties are bound by party politics and the party president/power-brokers (or else they get replaced if they don't)... so unless you can convince the ones who decide on what the party supports or opposes, you'd need a "private member's bill" and the time (and money) to lobby a majority of MPs & Senators to get it passed.

Either that, or set up your own political party, get a majority of seats in the Lower and Upper houses, just to get yourself some cheaper toys...

We can have the "Transformers Party" to join the ranks of other "single-policy" parties like the Shooters Party, Sex Party, Disability Party, Fishing Party, HEMP Party, etc...

[Sam]

Maybe if the issue was put forward not as one only to do with cheaper LEGO and/or toys, but more equality price-wise for various kinds of products (toys, electronics, software, etc.) for Australians (essentially we are asking for a fair go), it would get more traction?

Realistically, a single member of parliament isn't likely to have much say if they are part of a political party (idealistic politicians wanting to change the world, sign up to a major party to get in, only to end up having their hands tied by the party and its power-brokers). Even the leaders in the major parties are bound by party politics and the party president/power-brokers (or else they get replaced if they don't)...

That's so true, and herein lies the "trade-off" of living in a democracy. In a benevolent despotic society *cough oxymoron cough* the legislation would be able to be changed much more quickly (but often for the worse).

In all this, I will continue to take a "glass half full" mentality - buy online!

[griffin]

Maybe if the issue was put forward not as one only to do with cheaper LEGO and/or toys, but more equality price-wise for various kinds of products (toys, electronics, software, etc.) for Australians (essentially we are asking for a fair go), it would get more traction?

Absolutely. To get something we want (a minority group or interest), we need to give them a reason to get something they want (money and/or votes). Making the issue one to do with a range of products, which are all being bought online in increasing numbers, would make it more interesting to the general public, and businesses.